Menstrual Problems

Menstrual problems vary among women. Experience that one woman goes through during her period is different from what another woman goes through during her periods. Among the major problems include menstrual cramps, pain, irregularity, heavy or lack of periods. There are also women who experience premenstrual tension and menstrual migraines. For girls starting their menstrual periods, the experience can be very challenging if they are faced with such problems. This can be made worse by physical changes that the girl may not understand during the puberty stage. To some girls, the experience can be scary especially when there are menstrual problems.

What Are The Causes Of Menstrual Problems

Different menstrual problems have different causes. They include the following:

Amenorrhea

This refers to lack of menstrual period. This condition is categorized into two classes. There is the primary amenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea refers to a situation where a girl of 16 or 14 years fail to have menstrual periods. This is treated as a normal case for girls starting their monthly periods. Secondary amenorrhea is a situation where menstruation stops in a woman who has always had a regular monthly period in the past. It can be caused by problem hormonal control problem in the hypothalamus. It can also be as a result of excessive loss of weight, stress, depression or ovary problems. These activities in the body may result to premature failure of the ovary, high levels of male hormone in the blood, polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS), or even genetic disorders.

Oligomenorrhoea

This refers to infrequent or irregular periods. Periods may occur anytime during six month or even after several months. Causes of this problem are almost similar to those of amenorrhea polycystic ovaries syndrome is one of the common cause in women with this problem. This is a problem where the ovaries have more follicles than usual. These are swellings that develop every month towards the release of an ovum. Changes in the level of hormones in the body can also cause this condition. For instance women with high levels of testosterone hormone in the body may have this problem. PCOS also causes complex hormonal changes where follicles may remain generally immature. Thus, no eggs are released. Women with this condition are less fertile since they rarely ovulate.

Dysmenorrhoea

This refers to period pains. It affects approximately 40 to 70 percent of women in their reproductive age and majority of these women experience discomfort during their periods. The discomfort is usually related to womb's movement and changes in hormonal balance. Thus, it is attributed to chemicals circulating in the body during periods. Many women experience pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen. This pain can radiate to the thighs and it may last for up to 72 hours. It can start as a dull ache that starts before or even during period. It may be accompanied by diarrhea, headaches, vomiting and nausea. This menstrual problem is commonly caused by fibroids and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a situation in which cells making the womb's lining are also in other parts. These cells responds to the hormone responsible for menstruation just like the wall of the womb. These results to pain and it may cause inflammation. Fibroids are tumors or growths that are not cancerous which develops inside the uterus. They can be big or small and they cause significant pain during period. They can also increase the intensity of periods.

Premenstrual syndrome

This is another menstrual problem that is very common among women. It refers to mood swings and physical changes that occur during periods. It is also associated with breast tenderness, irritability and low moods and also bloating in some women. Although the exact cause of PMS is not known, severity increases during hormonal surges that include pregnancy and puberty. It is also common in women at the age of 30 to 45 years.

Menorrhagia

This refers to heavy bleeding during periods. Among the major cause of menorrhagia are fibroids and endometriosis. Cervix or uterus cancer can also cause excessive bleeding.

What Are The Symptoms Of Menstrual Problems

There are different symptoms that can indicate that one has menstrual problems. However, it is important to study these symptoms properly to identify the kind of menstrual problem one has. Among the most common symptoms of menstrual problems include the following;

Faint feeling

Nausea, diarrhea and dizziness

Thighs and lower back pain

Sweating, headaches and vomiting

Throbbing, dull, and cramping pain on the lower abdominal area

Sweating and vomiting

Constipation, loose stools and bloating

Heavy bleeding during periods.

Feeling fatigued and irritable

Being too emotional

Gaining weight at an unusual rate

Problem in concentrating

Having an irregular period

Experiencing pain during sex, bowel movements or ovulation.

Breast fullness, food craving and acne

Depression and tension before menses

Being unable to handle stress

Home Remedies For Menstrual Problems

There are many home remedies for menstrual problems that have proven to be effective. The remedy that you choose depends on the menstrual problem you have. Common home remedies for menstrual problems include the following: Remember, you should always consult with your physician in order to get a proper diagnosis and before trying to incorporate these home remedies and herbal remedies yourself!

Ginger: Ginger is an effective home remedy for menstrual cramps. Just boil pound pieces of ginger in one cup of clean water for some minutes. Let it cool for some minutes then consume it. You can use sugar to sweeten it then drink after meals on daily basis. For better results, take it at least thrice per day.

Sesame Seeds- Sesame seeds are also very effective when used as a home remedy for menstrual problem. Just consume a half tablespoonful of these seeds with one glass f water. Make sure you take sesame seeds with warm water at least twice per day to realize better results.

Cinnamon: This product has both antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. These helps in easing the pain that results from muscle cramps. Cinnamon can be sprinkled on the tea or breakfast of the person having menstrual cramps.

Marigold- Marigold can also be used as a remedy for menstrual problems. It helps in relieving pain that result from some of these problems. It also increases the flow when taken at least twice per day.

Drinking hot liquids: Drinking hot liquids is also an effective home remedy for menstrual cramps. This is because warmth of these fluids helps in increasing the flow of blood in the pelvic region. It also helps in relaxing muscles. Such drinks include warmed lemonade and herbal teas.

Banana flower: This remedy helps in treating excessive bleeding during periods. It should be boiled in clean water until it softens. After boiling, crush it with a curd cup.

Parsley: This home remedy increases menstruation as well as aiding in the regulation of monthly period. It also treats the pain that results from menstrual cramps. For the best results, parsley should be made of carrot, beet and juice from cucumber.

Coriander seeds: Boil 6 grams of these seeds until only half of them are left. Use honey or sugar to sweeten the mixture.

Basil: This has pain-killing component known as the caffeic acid. It gives someone having muscle cramp relief. It can be used when cooking as a spice or even used in tea. Two tablespoons are enough in a pint of boiled water. One cup or half every hour of basil solution can help in easing menstrual cramps.

Kitchen towel: This is an option for those without a bottle of hot water. Just soak it in warm water, wring our excessive water and place it on the microwave to heat up. Place it on your abdomen taking care that you do not burn the skin.

Eat 13 to 25 Indian barberry grams when having excessive bleeding.

Emmenagogues- The other mild herb for menstrual problems like delayed menstruation is Emmenagogues. They are effective herbs that will stimulate menstruation within a few days.

Yarrow or Achillea Millefolium- Yarrow or Achillea Millefolium is another great herbal remedy for menstrual problems. It is easy to identify this herb and you need to make and take cold herb tea. You can take three to four cups if you are experiencing delayed menstruation and excessive bleeding.

Nettles and Sheperd’s Purse- Herbs like nettles and shepherd’s purse can also be used to stop excessive bleeding. These herbs are the best as they help to direct the blood flow away from the pelvis.

Try These- For those suffering from menstrual cramps, you can go for false unicorn, red raspberry and cramp bark to prevent painful cramps.

Papaya- You can also use papaya to treat menstrual problems. If you experience severe pain during your periods, you should eat large amounts of papaya as it helps in the proper functioning of the uterus muscles make it easy for the blood to flow and in the right manner.

Try These- Last but not least, you can also go for certain herbs like blue cohosh, jatamansi and skullcap to prevent and treat irregular menstrual periods.

Diet For Menstrual Problems

Some menstrual problems can be avoided or dealt with by adopting proper dietary. This entails increasing your consumption of certain foods and avoiding others. To avoid majority of the prevalent menstrual problems, observe the following in your diet.

Increase fruits and vegetables intake. Make vegetables such as broccoli and kale part of your diet. This has helped many people cope with their menstrual problems. In some cases the problems have disappeared completely.

Reduce protein and meat products. Proteins and animal products have less or no fibers. This may not be helpful in dealing with menstrual problems.

Avoid junk food. This is food that has high amounts of sugar, salt, and also fats. These are likely to increase PMS symptoms or even other problems.

Avoid caffeine, soft drink and tea while having periods.

Drink at least eight glasses of water per day to ensure that you are hydrated. A hydrated body is healthy and capable of dealing with menses.

Increase your intake of foods of groups such as flax seeds which should be sprinkled over cereal. Fish with high amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids. Brown rice, oatmeal, and other whole grain foods. Legumes such as peas, beans and lentils.

Make sure that you eat foods with high amount of magnesium and calcium.

Prevention Of Menstrual Problems

Some menstrual problems can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This entails eating healthy foods and avoiding what can cause it. Some measures that can help in preventing menstrual problems include the following;

Eating foods with low amount of fat

Avoiding stress in life

Consuming little or no caffeine

Avoiding tobacco products

Exercising on regular basis.

With a good lifestyle, it is possible to avoid some menstrual problems. However, if they exceed, you may try home remedies and if these do not work, seek medical attention from your doctor.